How to Build a Long-Term Business from Affiliate Marketing

I’m noticing a lot of comments and questions in Facebook Groups & Online Forums asking about what type of offers we can promote as an affiliate…

The truth is there are hundreds of thousands of products you can promote as an affiliate depending on your niche or expertise. 

The problem is, not all affiliate programs are created equal - and not all products are fit to build a LONG-TERM affiliate business.

So let’s break down what to look for when you’re searching for products of your own to promote in this or another niche!

#1: Look for Products with Recurring Commissions

Locking in a high-ticket sale is a rush, there’s no denying. The feeling you get when you look in your dashboard and see a $750 commission coming your way is amazing! 

But the way to build a long-term business from affiliate marketing is locking in those monthly, recurring commissions where you don’t need to continuously find new customers month in and month out. 

An example of this is GetResponse and ClickFunnels where you’re paid monthly commissions every-time a member renews another month.

While those commissions may be small, they compound over time like interest and can build into something sustainable versus a few flash-in-the-pan sales that are here today and gone tomorrow.

#2: Find affiliate products that STACK

What does that mean?

Most affiliate marketers when they’re just getting started will find a few one-off products here and there that essentially do or teach the same thing.

Unfortunately, this means that you’re likely only to get one sale per subscriber.

However, if you find products that BUILD on one another then the same customer can purchase several products from you naturally, without having to sell them on this or that. 

An example of this would be from the company BeachBody. Yes, they sell plenty of home-workout tutorials, but they also sell Shakes, Meal Plans, & workout equipment. 

That means, one customer can buy ALL of their products and it not be redundant. You want the same thing in your business - find products that can stack to increase your customer’s AOV (Average Order Value)

#3: Find products with GREAT Customer Service

People miss this too often. They look at a product and judge it only if it sells well.

However, if you’re in this for the long-haul and you have selected products that hopefully your customers will renew, it’s imperative to find products that have a great retention rate so you can be sure your customers will stick around.

And the biggest factor of this I’ve seen is in the customer service category.

Make sure there’s a way for your customers to chat with the company’s rep 24/7 or quickly get a response when they’re sending an email. 

In other words, treat your subscribers like clients - and you are the consultant advising on products you know, like, and trust.

Keep these three criteria in mind and you’re guaranteed to promote only the best possible products to grow your affiliate business long-term.

To Your Success!

Steve.

Master Online Entrepreneur